Abstract

In this chapter we argue that shifting between different modes of thought, termed ‘mode shifting’ for short, is a fundamental cognitive skill underlying human creative thinking across different domains. We introduce empirical evidence revealing a relationship between mode shifting and creativity. Findings also show a relationship between mode shifting, as assessed by the mode shifting index (MSI), and creativity across five different domains, as assessed by the Kaufman domains of creativity scale (K-DOCs), suggesting that mode shifting is important for creativity across different domains. However, findings demonstrate that the relationship between mode shifting and creativity hinges on the component of mode shifting (metacognitive awareness of shifting or shifting competence), with certain components more important in some domains than others. In sum, mode shifting has domain-specific in addition to domain-general elements. We conclude the chapter by discussing the implications of our findings for creativity training and educational practice.